FOTD 6/29

A purple and light gold look...



On eyes: Not pictured UDPP & HIP Eyeshadow Crayon in Meticulous; HIP Duo in Wicked; Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum; HIP Cream Liner in Eggplant; NYX Liner in Black; Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express in Glam Black

Face: Not pictured Bare Minerals Foundation in Deepest Deep (used as a Concealer); Valana Minerals foundation in Amber Dream; Valana Minerals Blazing Bronzer in Bahia Tan

Lips: NYX Lipgloss in African Violet

Nwele asked:

“In regards to FOTDS..I feel like i am too light-handed because every time I take a picture, I feel like I am wearing nothing…I’d love my color to pop...could you do an entry or tell us how to do your make up when you take pictures. I am not sure if we're supposed to wear a lot so it can show...”

In order to get my eye makeup to pop I always use some type of base. Either a crayon or a paint in the color family of the lid color I will be using. I find even a neutral base like a beige or white brings the color out. One of my fave bases to use is the HIP crayon in Meticulous or the paints in Nervy and Witty which to me are very neutral colors. I also sometimes layer my eye colors on. I have some colors that are lighter than what I thought so I put another color on top and sometimes I do pack on my lid color to get the intensity I want. I don't really do anything to my face makeup except use a primer which is Monistat chaffing gel.

I take pictures of my face with and without a flash in an area that has good light. Flash I find will make the colors pop and look vibrant. Without flash is more natural and true to life I think. I also take pictures somewhat close to my face that way you can see the colors and the details. I think I may take some pics outside next time to see what it looks like in natural light. I try to take it by my window but that doesn't work out too well.

I hope that was helpful!!

FOTD 6/20

A pinky/orange/bronze look.


Me cheesing because of my new mascara and the Electro/Pink Grapefruit combo. I never thought I would see the day where I would wear anything but neutral on my lips.


On eyes: Not pictured (because they need to be depotted and I'm too lazy to do it) Orange/Coral/Bronze from NYX Palettes; HIP Crayon in Unmistakable; HIP Shadow in Flare (orange side); HIP Pigment in Restless; Maybelline Ultra Liner in Black; Styli-Style Flat Liner 24 in Black; Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express in Glam Black ( I am in love!!! I think my Max Factor has been replaced for now)

Face and Lip; Not pictured Bare Minerals Foundation in Deepest Deep (used as a Concealer); Valana Minerals foundation in Amber Dream; Maybelline blush in Almond Dream; HIP Bronzing Powder in Radiant; MAC lipstick in Electro and Lipglass in Pink Grapefruit

Mini MAC Haul

So I stopped by the MAC counter the other day and picked up the items I had on my list to get from the Neo Sci-Fi collection.


Electro, Expensive Pink, Magnetic Fields and Pink Grapefruit Lip Glass. I won't bore you with the swatches since I'm pretty sure we've all seen them by now. I actually like this collection and may go back to pick up some more stuff. I'm trying to be good since I'm waiting for Colour Forms.

I also picked up the Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher from Future Earth to add to my ever growing collection of lip treatments.

A two-in-one lip-conditioning and exfoliating stick. On one side, a botanically-derived natural exfoliator, on the other a lip conditioner that moisturizes, nourishes, and soothes the lips. Use to smooth and prep the lips prior to lip colour. Streamlined application: applies flat-on. Features M·A·C’s signature vanilla flavour.

So far I like it. The exfoilator is great! The jury is still out on the conditioner side. I don't use it throughout the day so I'm not sure lasting power of the conditioner. The few times I have used it I was pleased.

MissVizzy07 gave a great suggestion for a lip exfoilator for the budget conscious -

"Have you ever just tried sugar and vaseline? Or salt and vaseline? Its a lot cheaper than those Sephora products and works like a charm. You can even do olive oil and sugar or salt. Thats what I do and my lips are always smooth."

Follow that with the lip conditioner of your choice and you're good to go and money you saved can go toward something other beauty item. I will defiantly be trying this out!

I'm debating on whether or not to get the Solar Field Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden. It's so light and pretty. I thought about it the whole way home. 2 days later I'm still thinking about it. sigh...

Mineral Power

My favorite foundation and concealer on earth is mineral based. I am a huge mineral makeup fan! I have used cream to powder, liquid and stick foundations. I love my Perscriptives Custom Blended Concealer but in the end I always go back to mineral. Summer and I are not exactly the best of friends and heavy face makeup is a big no no for me which I realized after having my foundation literally roll down my face. Due to the constant dabbing of sweat on my face liquid makeup tends to smear and shift and I end up looking like a blotchy fool. Mineral makeup is light, a little goes along way and I can sweat and dab all I want and my face still looks good.

Looking for something light I was introduced to Bare Minerals. I think I'm the only woman of color I know who 1. actually likes it and 2. it actually works for. For the most part my friends can't stand how it looks on them. I will admit when I first got it I was heavy handed so I was looking a tad ashen but once I mastered the swirl, tap tap, buff I was good to go. Up until a year ago I also used mineral concealer. Yes you can use mineral powder as a concealer I've done it successfully but switched to liquid because I wasn't getting the coverage I wanted. Bare Minerals has added new concealer colors but I don't think that they're anything to write home about so I don't use them. I actually prefer to use the foundation as a concealer and since I do that I had to find a new foundation.

There are a lot of mineral makeup companies out there but I think that their colors for dark skined women are limited. Since I didn't feel like playing find perfect color I only tried 2 companies. The first company I tried was Everyday Minerals. They'll send you five samples and you pay for shipping and handling. I think shipping and handling was like $3. I got four colors and a blush.


I wasn't really thrilled. The only color I liked was the Deep Tan. As a foundation it doesn't work but it's great as a concealer. Go figure.

The second company was Valana Minerals. I've blogged about them before. It's by a woman of color for women of color so I knew something had to work. Each sample is $2. If you get 6 samples or more you get a $10 off $50 purchase coupon. I got six colors.

and the winner...


I've worn it for a week and I'm very happy with it. I didn't do a swatch because honestly you couldn't see it. It's very light, all I need is a little bit and I'm good. It has a little bit of gold in it which is really pretty in the sun. I will admit that sometimes when I use Bare Minerals Warmth if I sweat there is this burning sensation. It doesn't happen a lot but it happens enough that I don't use it often and I've never tried their blushes. I'm not trying to walk around with my face on fire just to look cute. It really ain't that serious! With Valana Minerals there is no burning!! The best part about the line is everything is multi-use so the samples that didn't work can be used as eyeshadows, blush or bronzers. How great is that?! If you're interested in mineral makeup I say give them a try.

Twinkle Twinkle here is the swatch of the bronzer you asked for. It's Bahia Tan Blazing Bronzer.

Haulin....

So I did a little shopping at my local beauty supply store I picked up some NYX stuff.

3 NYX Palettes - top is Perpetual; the right is SHANGRi-LA and on the left is Tropical/Yellow/ Lime Green

Two polishes - the yellow is Roasted and the Green is Lime. Roasted is really sheer and pretty on. I did a mani and a pedi with Roasted and how about the the mani chipped the next day. I ended up peeling the whole thing off. Since it was so sheer I did 3 maybe 4 coats. Not sure if that was the problem since I tend to do 3 coats with most of my polishes. The green is opaque, not sure about it's lasting power since I haven't worn it yet.

Lip gloss in African Queen and liner in Fuschia. The gloss is a really pretty pinky purple.

Now for some swatches: row 1 is Tropical/Yellow/Lime Green; row 2 is Perpetual; row 3 is SHANGRi-LA; the top pink is the liner in Fuschia and below that is the African Queen Gloss


I love a deal! I don't pay full price unless I have to. I've found that TJ Maxx is a great place for makeup and other beauty items. Their prices are usually half or sometimes more than half the retail price. Last time I was there they had some Too Faced stuff and Anastasia eyebrow palettes. Of course there wasn't a palette for me since my brows are black so I left empty handed. This trip was good, I picked up some Lancome makeup. The shadows normally retail for $16.50 and the lipstick is $22. TJ Maxx price 7.99 each. You can't beat that!


Left to right: Color Design Shadow in Rose Quartz Sheen ; Color Design Lip stick in Pink Heels Sheen ; Color Design Shadow in Luxe Grey Matte


Swatches from top to bottom: Pink Heels; Luxe Grey Matte; Rose Quartz Sheen

Another thing I love is the clearence section! Those little red/yellow/orange stickers make me so very happy! I picked up some Gap Body body srubs and and both oil for $2 each. The scent is very light and floral perfect for the summer.


I also picked up a organic coffee bean caffeine eye cream by 100% Pure for $7.99. I'll probably do a review after using it for a while.


After all the Ped Egg talk I picked one up. Usually I use those scrub bars you see at the Asian nail places and a callus scraper to get off any dead skin off my feet. After using the Ped Egg I have to say that it is the business!! My feet are really smooth and soft. I am a believer! You can get it at CVS, Rite Aid and probably other drugstores.

FOTD 6/11

I had the day off so I decided to play in some makeup. It's a green and goldish look inspired by my scarf.


Eyes: UDPP; HIP Crayon in Meticulous; HIP Pigments in Visionary(gold) and Rebel (green). I originally intended to just use Visionary in the inner corner and Rebel on the rest of the lid but didn't like how it looked so I covered the whole lid with Visionary; HIP Duo in Riotous ( the dark side in the outer corner and crease) ; Iman Shadow in Safari (outer corner and crease); Wet-n-Wild Shadow in cream (highlight); Victoria's Secret Liquid Liner in Blackout and NYX Liner in Black

Face & Lips: Bare Minerals Deepest Deep (Concealer); Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream, Blazing Bronzer in Blazing Tan & Cheeky Cheek Pots in Cheeky Orchid; Milani Liner in Black Brown with Ulta Gloss in Shimmer


The verdict is in on the Rimmel Eye Glistners - I hate them. Ok maybe hate is the wrong word. I strongly dislike them. I tried to use them again and had the same problem. They're just too wet for me and I don't like how they make my brushes nasty. Good thing it was buy one get one free and I had a coupon. Off to the makeup graveyard they go which is unfortunate since the colors are so pretty.

Pucker Up...

One of my biggest pet peeves on earth is dry lips. I am serious about the fight against dry lips. I always carry some type of lip treatment with me, I keep one by my bed and one is in my bathroom. I told y'all I was serious. Sometimes though it seems like all the lip conditioners, balms, salves aren't enough. That's when It's time to do a scrub. I am a body scrub fanatic. It never occurred to me to do the same with my lips until my unfortunate lip gloss incident which caused my break up with my favorite lip gloss on earth, this perfect neutral nudeish color by Clinique. After 6 months it broke me out something terrible. Lips just looked and felt like braille. After trying almost everything I realized I needed more than a moisturizer I needed something to get the dead skin off. So off to Sephora I went in search of some relief.

Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Scrub was recommended to me. The product is described as:

Enriched with natural butters and oils, Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub is formulated to help keep your lips in impeccable kissing condition. Ideal for renewing dry, flaky lips this easy to use treatment exfoliates dull, dry, flaky skin for super soft, super smooth lips in seconds.

I love it! It did a great job after using it my lips were soft and smooth.



I also tried Sally Hansen's Gentle Peel for Rough Lips. The description states:

This gentle formula with fruit enzyme removes rough, dull and uneven skin. Smooth it on, and in just 3 minutes, wipe away to reveal beautiful baby soft lips. It's like a facial for your lips!

I have to disagree with them. This is just ok. My lips kinda felt soft but they also felt dry. Bizarre. I'd skip this.

Some other lip scrubs for your consideration...

Benefit Lipscription

This dynamic duo leaves lips smooth, soothed, plump, and sexy. Simply buff off the dry stuff with the AHA, jojoba-enriched scrubbing beads, then slather on a layer of the rich, hydrating silky lip balm for a fab kisser - in an instant.

Bourjois Duo Lip Scrub & Baume

What it is: A duo ended lip buffing and smoothing treatment wand. Start the morning off right with Bourjois double ended Buffing Balm: the morning prescription for pout perfection! What it is formulated to do: The mini buffer is the perfect exfoliator for smooth lips. The moisturizing balm is enriched with glycerin emollients for optimal hydration. What else you need to know: This balm also contains small, iridescent particles to give lips a gorgeous pearly veil…the perfect accent for toned and buff now luscious lips!

Cosmedicine - Full Benefits Lip Plumper, Hydrator & Exfoliator

What it is:
An all-in-one lip exfoliator, plumper, and conditioner.
What it is formulated to do:
-Sloughs away dead cells to reduce roughness
-Reduces cracking, peeling, and splitting
-Makes lips look fuller and smoother
-Diminishes lip lines
-Stops lipstick from bleeding
-Keeps lips well moisturized
-It's great for even the most sensitive skin

Clinical trials using state-of-the-art high resolution tools measured:
-100% of those tested agreed that their lips felt moisturized
-68.5% increase in protection against free radical activity induced by UV radiation
-56% reduction in dry, flaky surface skin
- Of the 217 tested, no one experienced sensitivity that can accompany lip exfoliators

Befine Lip Exfoliator

So, what does it do?

1. Fruit enzymes assist in the removal of dead skin cells

how: Avena Sativa Oat Bran Extract
why: Oats contain skin soothing colloids & help soothe irritated skin.

2. Heals and boosts collagen
how: Aloe Babadensis Leaf juice
why: Contains amino acids, proteins and enzymes.

3. Conditions and moisturizes
how: Sesame Seed Oil (Sesanum Indicum)
why: Mimics natural moisturizing factors in skin.

4. Peppermint Oil & Peppermint Leaf Extract (Mentha Peperita)
how: Sweet Almond Seed Meal (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)
why: Colloid to soothe irritated skin.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer Gentle Formula

Our mint-infused lip exfoliator, formulated with sugar crystals, is the perfect remedy for flaky, peeling chapped lips.
Imported.

• Gentle sugar crystals exfoliate flaky lips
• Mint-infused for fresh breath
• Made with honest, genuine, trustworthy ingredients
• Developed by Bigelow Chemists

Since I'm on the topic of lips I picked up Bigelow Lip Renewal Remedy this week at the Bath and Body Works sale for 2 bucks.

No. 1140 Miracle Line-Smoothing Formula Shea Butter 2.5%, Pro-Vitamin B3 1%, Illlipe Butter 1% Our rstorative, nourishing formula repairs, softens and smoothes the lips surface, giving a firmer look and feel. With everyday use, it helps to repair the signs of damage, restoring lips and lip area to a healthier, more youtful condition. This line-smoothing remedy reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping lips look and feel healthier. Contains no artificial colorants, and not tested on animals. The directions say to apply liberally before makeup application. May be applied over or under lip color. I've tried it under and it does what it says. I'll keep using it and see. For $2 I can't complain.

Happy scrubbing ladies!!!

Tag I'm It!!

Thanks to Divine Blackness for the tag!

The rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leave a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was finishing up my junior year in undergrad and trying my hardest to find a summer job back in NY. Didn’t work out too well…

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?

Create a new header/articles/layout for facepaint, work on my sewing, organize my storage closet, do some squats, repot my plants/get new plants

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Salsa con queso, guacamole, mandarin oranges fruit cups, mangos, chewy trail mix bars, Japanese noodles

4. Places I’ve lived:

Brooklyn, NY, Boston, MA, Washington, DC

5. Things I’d do if I were a billionaire:

Pay off my student loans and bury that beast, quit my job and become a super gardener (I love the Barefoot Contessa’s garden), cut a check for my sister and buy her a house, buy myself a house, get a housekeeper, invest, travel the world and the seven seas, create a trust fund for my Godson, get a personal trainer, start a program for kids to foster and encourage creativity

6. People I want to know more about:

No one in particular but I would like to ask Britney what meds was she on that made her think it was ok to walk in a gas station bathroom barefoot

I'm tagging nywele and Twinkle Twinkle